§ 903 — Administration; to whom granted

If an executor is not named in the will, or if a person dies intestate, appointments to administer the estate may be made in the following manner:
(1) To the surviving spouse or next of kin, or both, or the person nominated by the surviving spouse or next of kin.
(2) If the surviving spouse or next of kin or the person nominated by them is unsuitable, or if the surviving spouse or the next of kin does not within a reasonable period of time after the death of the person apply for letters of administration or nominate another person to whom letters of administration may be granted, the court may grant letters of administration to one or more of the principal creditors, if competent and willing to serve.
(3) If there is not a creditor who is competent and willing to serve, letters of administration may be issued to another person appointed by the Probate Division of the Superior Court in its discretion.
(4) If the appointment is to enable a quiet title action or another action to clear title to lands, the court may appoint a suitable person as the administrator for that purpose upon application of the reputed owner of the land formerly owned by the decedent. (Amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)